Conveyancing and moving home

Moving house can be a very stressful time, especially during a pandemic. From the neighbourhood to the honesty of the seller, there are many worries to be had. To reduce the number of concerns a buyer has, they’ll often invest in a conveyancer, and for good reason. ‘It most certainly is ‘better to be safe than sorry’ when it comes to making what’s possibly the biggest purchase of your life.

It’s important to select a conveyancer that is part of a Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS); a recognised quality standard, which means their service is overseen by The Law Society. BP Legal is of course CQS accredited, and here we give you our official moving home checklist to make sure it’s the right house for you.

Your conveyancing solicitor should:

  • Make sure the property title is marketable and verify ownership
  • Advise on freehold and leasehold
  • Draw up a contract of sale and send it to the buyer’s solicitor
  • Check for restrictive covenants or rights of way
  • Check buildings have correct planning permission, licenses and warranties
  • Check there are no debts owing against a property
  • Carry out local authority searches for zoning restrictions or debts due
  • Arrange additional property searches
  • Check mortgage documents
  • Ensure the deposit has been paid
  • Exchange contracts making the deal legally binding
  • Lodge an interest in the property so it cannot be sold to another
  • Calculate the final figure to pay
  • Arrange for the title to be transferred to the new owner’s name
  • Pay Stamp Duty Tax on your behalf
  • Lodge the title deeds with Land Registry
  • Send a copy of the deeds to your mortgage lender